99-22627. Louisiana: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 170 (Thursday, September 2, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 48099-48103]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-22627]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 271
    
    [FRL-6431-2]
    
    
    Louisiana: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste 
    Management Program Revisions
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Immediate final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The State of Louisiana has applied for final authorization to 
    revise its Hazardous Waste Program under the Resource Conservation and 
    Recovery Act (RCRA). The EPA has determined that these changes satisfy 
    all requirements needed to qualify for final authorization. The EPA 
    reviewed Louisiana's application, and now makes an immediate final 
    decision, subject to receipt of adverse written comment, that 
    Louisiana's Hazardous Waste Program revision satisfies all of the 
    requirements necessary to qualify for final authorization. 
    Consequently, EPA intends to grant Louisiana final authorization for 
    the program modifications contained in the revision.
    
    DATES: This action is effective on November 1, 1999 without further 
    notice, unless the EPA receives relevant adverse comments by October 4, 
    1999. If adverse comments are received, EPA will publish a timely 
    withdrawal of the immediate final rule or identify the issues raised, 
    respond to the comments, and affirm that the immediate final rule will 
    take effect as scheduled.
    
    ADDRESSES: Mail written comments to Alima Patterson, Region 6, Regional 
    Authorization Coordinator, Grants and Authorization Section (6PD-G), 
    Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division, at the address shown 
    below. You can examine copies of the materials submitted by the State 
    of Louisiana during normal business hours at the following locations: 
    EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas Texas 75202-2733, (214) 665-
    8533: or Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, H.B. Garlock 
    Building, 7290 Bluebonnet, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810,(504) 765-0617.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alima Patterson (214) 665-8533.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    A. What Is Resource Conservation and Recovery Act State 
    Authorization?
    
        RCRA, as amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 
    1984 (HSWA), provides for authorization of State hazardous waste 
    programs under subtitle C. Under RCRA section 3006, EPA may authorize a 
    State to administer and enforce the RCRA hazardous waste program. See 
    40 CFR part 271. In fact, Congress designed RCRA so that the entire 
    subtitle C program would eventually be administered by the States in 
    lieu of the Federal Government. This is because the States are closer 
    to, and more familiar with, the regulated community and therefore are 
    in a better position to administer the programs and respond to local 
    needs effectively.
        After receiving authorization, the State administers the program in 
    lieu of the Federal government, although EPA retains enforcement 
    authority under RCRA sections 3008, 3013, and 7003. Authorized States 
    must revise their programs when EPA promulgates Federal Standards that 
    are more stringent or broader in scope than existing federal standards. 
    States are not required to modify their programs when Federal changes 
    that are less stringent than the existing Federal program or when 
    changes reduce the scope of the existing Federal program. These changes 
    are optional and are noted as such in the Federal Register (FR) 
    documents. However, EPA encourages States to adopt optional rules 
    because they provide benefit to environmental protection.
    
    B. Why Are Revisions to State Programs Necessary?
    
        States that receives final authorization from EPA under RCRA 
    section 3006(b), 42 U.S.C. 6926(b), must maintain a hazardous waste 
    program that is equivalent to, consistent with, and no less stringent 
    than the Federal Hazardous Waste Program. As the Federal program 
    changes, States must change their programs and ask EPA to authorize the 
    changes. Changes to State programs may be necessary when Federal or 
    State statutory or regulatory authority is modified or when certain 
    other changes occur. Most commonly, States must change their programs 
    because of changes to EPA's regulations in 40 Code of Federal 
    Regulations (CFR) parts 124, 260-266, 268, 270, 273, and 279.
    
    What Is the Effect of This Authorization?
    
        This authorization should not have little impact because the 
    State's requirements are already effective. However, upon approval of 
    the revisions, Louisiana will have authority to regulate the rules 
    pertaining to RCRA Cluster VII. Currently, the EPA regulates this 
    waste. Louisiana will have authority to issue permits in RCRA Cluster 
    VII rules and to ensure that all permits issued to hazardous waste 
    facilities protect of human health and the environment.
    
    D. What Is the History of Louisiana's Final Authorization and Its 
    Revisions?
    
        The State of Louisiana initially received final authorization on 
    February 7, 1985 (50 FR 3348), to implement its
    
    [[Page 48100]]
    
    base Hazardous Waste Management program. Louisiana received 
    authorization for revisions to its program on January 29, 1990 (54 FR 
    48889), October 25, 1991 (56 FR 41958), and technical corrections at 
    (56 FR 51762), effective January 23, 1995 and another technical 
    corrections was made at (59 FR 55368-55371), (60 FR 18360), March 8, 
    1995. We authorized the additional following revisions: (59 FR 66200), 
    October 17, 1995, (60 FR 53707) effective January 2, 1996, March 28, 
    (61 FR 13777-13782) effective June 11, 1996, December 29, 1997, (62 FR 
    67572-67577) effective March 16, 1998 and October 23, 1998 (63 FR 
    56830-56891) effective December 22, 1998, August 25, 1999 (64 FR 46302-
    46333), effective October 25, 1999. On January 26, 1999, Louisiana 
    applied for approval of its complete final program. In this 
    application, Louisiana is seeking additional approval of its program 
    revision in accordance with 40 CFR 271.21(b)(3).
        In 1983, the Louisiana legislature adopted Act 97, which amended 
    and reenacted Louisiana Revised Statutes 30:1051 et seq., the 
    Environmental Affairs Act. This Act created the LDEQ, which has lead 
    agency jurisdictional authority for administering the RCRA Subtitle C 
    program in the State. Also, LDEQ is designated to facilitate 
    communication between EPA and the State. The State of Louisiana has 
    adopted the Federal regulations in cluster VII promulgated from July 1, 
    1996, through June 30, 1997; the State of Louisiana regulations became 
    effective September 20, 1998.
    
    E. What Revisions Are We Approving With Today's Action?
    
        The State of Louisiana submitted a final complete program revision 
    application, seeking authorization of their revisions in accordance 
    with 40 CFR 271.21. Louisiana's revisions consist of regulations which 
    specifically govern's RCRA cluster VII rules. Louisiana requirements 
    appear on the chart included in this document. The EPA is now making a 
    final decision, subject to receipt of written comments that oppose this 
    action, that Louisiana's hazardous waste program revision satisfies all 
    of the requirements necessary to qualify for final authorization. 
    Therefore, we grant Louisiana final authorization for the following 
    program revisions:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Federal Citation                       State Analog
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1. Criteria for                Louisiana Revised States (LRS) 30:Sec.
     Classification of Solid        2180 et seq., as amended June 14, 1991,
     Waste Disposal Facilities      effective June 14, 1991; Louisiana
     and Practices;                 Hazardous Waste Regulations (LHWR) Secs.
     Identification and Listing     3911, as amended October 20, 1994,
     of Hazardous Waste;            effective October 20, 1994; 3915.B,
     Requirements for               3915.B.1-3, 3915.B.4, 3915.B.4.a-b,
     Authorization of State         3915.B.5, as amended September 20, 1998;
     Hazardous Waste Programs,      effective September 20, 1998, 301.B.1,
     [61 FR 34252] July 1, 1996.    as amended April 20, 1996, effective
     (Checklist 153).               April 20, 1996; 315.N, as amended
                                    September 20, 1997, effective September
                                    20, 1997; and 521.H, as amended
                                    September 20, 1993, effective September
                                    20, 1993. LAC 33:V.3913 and LAC
                                    33:V.3915.B are more stringent than the
                                    40 CFR 261.5(f)-(g). The State does not
                                    recognize the class of generators
                                    generating 0-100 kilogram per month as
                                    ``conditionally exempt small quantity
                                    generators''. Generators in Louisiana
                                    who generate 0-100 kg/mth must follow
                                    more stringent guidelines, such as
                                    filing annual reports for small quantity
                                    generators.
                                   The State regulations are more stringent
                                    because generators who generate more
                                    than 1 kg acutely hazardous waste are
                                    subject to full regulations. LAC
                                    33:VII.301.B.1, LAC 33:VII.315.N. and
                                    LAC 33:VII.521.H) is more stringent than
                                    40 CFR 261.5(f)(3)(iv)(v) and (g)(3)(iv)-
                                    (v) because solid waste landfills are
                                    prohibited from accepting hazardous
                                    waste, with the exception of household
                                    hazardous waste.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2. Land Disposal Restrictions  LRS 30:2180 et seq., as amended June 14,
     Phase III--Emergency           1991, effective June 14, 1991; LHWR
     Extension of the K088          Secs.  109 Excluded Scrap Metal, 109.
     Capacity Variance, [62 FR      Processed Scrap Metal, 109. Home Scrap
     1992] January 14, 1997.        Metal, 109. Prompt Scrap Metal, 109.
     (Checklist 155).               Table 1, 105.D.1.m-n, 105.D.1.n.i-ii,
                                    4105.B.4, 2201.l-l.2, 2201.l.3,
                                    2237.A.2.d, 2237.A.4, 2245.A, 2245.A,
                                    2245.B.1-6, 2245.B, 2245.C.1.a-d,
                                    2245.C.2, 2245.C, 2245.C.1.a,
                                    2245.C.1.b, 2245.D.3-7, 2245.D, 2245.E,
                                    2245.E.1-3, 2245.F, 2245.G, 2245.H,
                                    2245.L, 2245.L.1-3, 2747.A, 2247.A.1-2,
                                    2247.B, 2247.B.1-2, 2247.B.2.a-e,
                                    2247.C, 2247.C.1-3, 2247.D-E, 2247.F.1-
                                    2, 2246.A, 2246.D.1.b, 2209.A, 2209.A.1-
                                    3, 2209.B-D, 2209.D.2-3, 2209.D.1,
                                    2209.D.4, 2209.E, 2213-2219, Chapter 22
                                    Tables 2-3, 2231.L, Chapter 22. Table 10
                                    and Chapter 22 Tables 5 and 11, as
                                    amended September 20, 1998, effective
                                    September 20, 1998. The State has no
                                    equivalent citation to 40 CFR
                                    268.1(e)(1). The State does not
                                    recognize the class of generators
                                    generating 0=100 kg/mth as
                                    ``conditionally small quantity
                                    generators (SQGs)'' Generators in
                                    Louisiana who generate 0-100 kg/mth must
                                    follow more stringent guidelines for
                                    SQGs). LAC 33:V.2237.A.4 is more
                                    stringent than 40 CFR 268.4(a)(4)
                                    because Louisiana specifies that the
                                    owner or operator must submit to the
                                    administrative authority a written
                                    certification. There is not an
                                    equivalent citation to 40 CFR
                                    268.7(a)(10). In this case the State
                                    does not offer the relief to SQG and
                                    thus the State is more stringent.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3. Military Munition Rule:     LRS 30:2180 et seq., as amended June 14,
     Hazardous Waste                1991, effective June 14, 1991; LHWR
     Identification and             Secs.  109, 109. Active Range, 109.
     Management; Explosive          Administrative Authority, 109. Chemical
     emergencies; Manifest          Agents and Munitions, 109. Explosives or
     Exemption for Transport of     Emergency, Response Specialist, 109.
     Hazardous Waste on Right-of-   Inactive Range, 109. Military, 109.
     Ways on Contiguous             Military Munitions, 109. Military Range,
     Properties, [62 FR 6622]       109. Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), 109.
     February 12, 1997.             Solid Waste.1.b.iii-iv, 305.C.12-13,
     (Checklist 156).               321.C.8, 321.C.8.a-c, 321.C.9, 1101,
                                    1107A.11, 1301.G, 1301.H, 1501.C.7.a.iv,
                                    1501.C.7.d, 1501.C.12, 901, 2401,
                                    2403.A, 2403.A.1-5, 2403.B, 2403.B.1,
                                    2403.B.1.a-b, 2403.B.1.b.1-iii,
                                    2403.B.1.c, 2403.B.2-3, 2403.C-F, 2405.A-
                                    B, 4307, 4351, 4707, 4709.A, 4709.A.1-5,
                                    4709.B, 4709.B.1, 4709.B.1.a-b,
                                    4709.B.b.1-iii, 4709.B.1.c, 4709.B.2-3,
                                    4709.C-F, 4711.A-B, 5301.A-B, 5303.A,
                                    5303.A.1, 5303.A.1.a-c, 5303.A.2,
                                    5303.B, 5303.B.1-4, 5303.C, 5303.C.1-2,
                                    5303.D, 5305.A, 5305.A.1, 5305.A.l.a-c,
                                    5305.A.2-4, 5305.B-C, 5307, 5309,
                                    5309.A.1, 5309.A.1.a-g, 5309.A.2-3,
                                    5309.B-D, 5309.D.1-2, 5309.E, 5311,
                                    305.C.13.d, 305.C.15, as amended
                                    September 20, 1998, effective September
                                    20, 1998.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    [[Page 48101]]
    
     
    4. Land Disposal               LRS 30:2180 et seq., as amended June 14,
     Restrictions--Phase IV:        1991, effective June 14, 1991; LHWR
     Treatment Standards for Wood   Secs.  109. Excluded Scrap Metal, 109.
     Preserving Waste, Paperwork    Processed Scrap Metal, 109. Home Scrap
     Reduction and Streamlining,    Metal, 109. Prompt Scrap Metal, 109.
     Exemptions From RCRA for       Table 1, 105.D.1.m-n, 105.D.1.n.i-ii,
     Certain Processed Materials;   4105.B.4, 2201.l.l-2, 2201.l.3,
     and Miscellaneous Hazardous    2237.A.2.d, 2237.A.4, 2245.A, 2245.B.1-
     Waste Provisions, [62 FR       6, 2246.B, 2245.C.1.a-d, 2245.C.2,
     25998] May 12, 1997.           2245.C, 2245.C.1.a-b, 2245.D.3-7,
     (Checklist 157).               2245.D, 2245.E, 2245.E.1-4, 2245.F-H,
                                    2245.l, 2245.l.1, 2245.l.2-3, 2245.l.3,
                                    2747.A, 2247.A.1-2, 2247.B, 2247.B.1-2,
                                    2247.B.a-e, 2247.C, 2247.C.1-3, 2247.D,
                                    2247.E, 2247.F.1-2, 2246.A, 2246.D.1.b,
                                    2209.A, 2209.A.1-3, 2209.B-D, 2209.D.2-
                                    3, 2209.D.1, 2209.D.4, 2209.E, 2213-
                                    2219, Chapter 22. Table 2, Chapter 22.
                                    Table 3, 2231.L, Chapter 22. Table 10, 5
                                    and 11, as amended September 20, 1998,
                                    effective September 20, 1998
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5. Hazardous Waste Management  LRS 30:2180 et seq., as amended June 14,
     System; Testing and            1991, effective June 14, 1991; LHWR
     Monitoring Activities, [62     Secs.  110.A, 110.A.1-10, as amended
     FR 32452] June 13, 1997.       April 20, 1998, effective April 20,
     (Checklist 158).               1998; 110.A.11, as amended September 20,
                                    1998, effective September 20, 1998,
                                    110.A.12-15, as amended April 20, 1998,
                                    effective April 20, 1998, 1711.D.1.c,
                                    1711.F, 1741.D.2, Chapter 33. Table 4,
                                    4557, 4587, 3009.E.1, 3013.G.1-2,
                                    3015.F, as amended September 20, 1998,
                                    effective September 20, 1998; and
                                    Chapter 30. Appendix I, as amended
                                    December 20, 1992, effective December
                                    20, 1992
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    F. What Decisions Has the EPA Made?
    
        We conclude that Louisiana's application for program revision meets 
    all of the statutory and regulatory requirements established by RCRA. 
    Accordingly, we grant Louisiana final authorization to operate its 
    hazardous waste program as revised, assuming we receive no adverse 
    comments as discussed above. Upon effective final approval Louisiana 
    will be responsible for permitting treatment, storage, and disposal 
    facilities within its borders and for carrying out the aspects of the 
    RCRA program described in its revised program application, subject to 
    the limitations of the HSWA. Louisiana also will have primary 
    enforcement responsibilities, although EPA retains the right to conduct 
    inspections under section 3007 of RCRA, and to take enforcement actions 
    under sections 3008, 3013, and 7003 of RCRA.
    
    G. How Do the Revised State Rules Differ From the Federal Rules?
    
        EPA considers the following State requirements to be more stringent 
    than the Federal: The State has no equivalent citation to 40 CFR 
    268.1(e)(1). The State does not recognize the class of generators 
    generating 0-100kg/mth as ``conditionally exempt small quantity 
    generators''. Generators in Louisiana who generates 0-100kg/mth must 
    follow more stringent guidelines for small quantity generators. LAC 
    33:V.2237.A.4 is more stringent than the 40 CFR 266.4(a)(4) because 
    Louisiana specify that the owner or operator must submit to the 
    administrative authority a written certification. There is no 
    equivalent citation to 40 CFR 268.7(a)(10) because the State of 
    Louisiana does not offer the relief to small quantity generators. LAC 
    33:VII.301.B.1, LAC 33:VII.315.N, and LAC 33:VII.521.H is more 
    stringent than the 40 CFR 261.5(f)(3)(iv)(v) and (g)(3)(iv)-(v) because 
    solid waste landfills are prohibited from accepting hazardous waste, 
    with the exception of household hazardous waste. These requirements are 
    part of Louisiana's authorized program and are federally enforceable. 
    In this authorization of the State of Louisiana's program revisions for 
    RCRA cluster VII, there are no provisions that are broader in scope. 
    Broader in scope requirements are not part of the authorized program 
    and EPA can not enforce them.
    
    H. Who Handles Permits After This Authorization Takes Effect?
    
        Louisiana will issue permits for all the provisions for which it 
    has authority and will administer the permits it issues.
        EPA will continue to administer any RCRA hazardous waste permits or 
    portions of permits which it issued before the effective date of this 
    authorization until they expire or are terminated. EPA will not issue 
    any more permits or portions of permits for the provisions listed in 
    this document after the effective date of this authorization. EPA will 
    continue to implement and issue permits for HSWA requirements for which 
    the State is not yet authorized.
    
    I. Why Wasn't There a Proposed Rule Before Today's Notice?
    
        EPA is authorizing the State's changes through this immediate final 
    action and is publishing this rule without a prior proposal to 
    authorize the changes because EPA believes it is not controversial and 
    we expect no comments that oppose this action. EPA is providing an 
    opportunity for public comment now. In the proposed rules section of 
    today's Federal Register we are publishing a separate document that 
    proposes to authorize the State changes. If EPA receives comments which 
    oppose this authorization, that document will serve as a proposal to 
    authorize the changes.
    
    J. Where Do I Send My Comments and When Are They Due?
    
        You should send written comments to Alima Patterson, Regional 
    Authorization Coordinator, Grants and Authorization Section (6PD-G), 
    Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division, EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross 
    Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, (214) 665-8533. Please refer to 
    Docket Number LA-99-2. We must receive your comments by October 4, 
    1999. You may not have an opportunity to comment again. If you want to 
    comment on this action, you must do so at this time.
    
    K. What Happens if EPA Receives Comments Opposing This Action?
    
        If EPA receives comments opposing this authorization, a second 
    Federal Register document will be published before the immediate final 
    rule takes effect. The second document may withdraw the immediate final 
    rule or identify the issues raised, respond to the comments, and affirm 
    that the immediate final rule will take effect as scheduled.
    
    L. When Will This Approval Take Effect?
    
        Unless EPA receives comments opposing this action, this final 
    authorization approval will become effective without further notice on 
    November 1, 1999.
    
    M. Where Can I Review the State's Application?
    
        You can view and copy the State of Louisiana's application from 
    8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following addresses: 
    Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, H.B. Garlock Building, 
    7290 Bluebonnet, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, (504) 765-0617 and EPA, 
    Region
    
    [[Page 48102]]
    
    6 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, (214) 665-6444. For 
    further information contact Alima Patterson, Region 6 Authorization 
    Coordinator, Grants and Authorization Section (6PD-G), Multimedia 
    Planning and Permitting Division, EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, 
    Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, (214) 665-8533.
    
    N. Now Does Today's Action Affect Indian Country in Louisiana?
    
        Louisiana is not authorized to carry out its hazardous waste 
    program in Indian country within the State. This authority remains with 
    EPA. Therefore, this action has no effect Indian country.
    
    O. What Is Codification?
    
        Codification is the process of placing the State's statutes and 
    regulations that comprise the State's authorized hazardous waste 
    program into the CFR. The EPA does this by referencing the authorized 
    State rules in 40 CFR part 272. The EPA reserves the amendment of 40 
    CFR part 272, subpart T for this authorization of Louisiana's program 
    changes until a later date.
    
    Regulatory Requirements
    
    Compliance With Executive Order (E.O.) 12866
    
        The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this rule 
    from the requirements of section 3 of E.O. 12866.
    
    Compliance Executive Order 13045
    
        Executive Order 13045, ``Protection of Children from Environmental 
    Health Risks and Safety Risks'' applies to any rule that: (1) The OMB 
    determines is ``economically significant'' as defined under E.O. 12866; 
    and (2) concerns an environmental health or safety risk that the EPA 
    has reason to believe may have a disproportionate effect on children. 
    If the regulatory action meets both criteria, the Agency must evaluate 
    the environmental health or safety effects of the planned rule on 
    children and explain why the planned regulation is preferable to other 
    potentially effective and reasonably feasible alternatives considered 
    by the Agency.
        This rule is not subject to E.O. 13045 because it is not an 
    economically significant rule as defined by E.O. 12866, and because it 
    does not involve decisions based on environmental health or safety 
    risks.
    
    National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    
        Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
    Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 
    note) directs the EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its 
    regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with 
    applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards 
    are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, 
    sampling procedures, and business practices) that are developed or 
    adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs the 
    EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency 
    decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus 
    standards.
        This action does not involved technical standards. Therefore, the 
    EPA did not consider the use of any voluntary consensus standards.
    
    Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    
        Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
    Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
    effects of their regulatory actions on State, local and tribal 
    governments and the private sector. Under section 202 and 205 of the 
    UMRA, the EPA must prepare a written statement of economic and 
    regulatory alternatives analyses for proposed and final rules with 
    Federal mandates, as defined by the UMRA, that may result in 
    expenditures to State, local and tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
    or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. The 
    EPA has determined that section 202 and 205 requirements do not apply 
    to today's action because this rule does not contain a Federal mandate 
    that may result in annual expenditures of $100 million or more for 
    State, local, and/or tribal governments in the aggregate, or the 
    private sector. Costs to State, local and/or tribal governments already 
    exist under the State of Louisiana's program, and today's action does 
    not impose any additional obligations on regulated entities. In fact, 
    the EPA's approval of State programs generally may reduce, not 
    increase, compliance costs for the private sector. Further, as it 
    applies to the State, this action does not impose a Federal 
    intergovernmental mandate because UMRA does not include duties arising 
    from participation in a voluntary Federal program.
        The requirements of section 203 of UMRA also do not apply to 
    today's action. Before the EPA establishes any regulatory requirements 
    that may significantly or uniquely affect small governments, including 
    tribal governments, section 203 of the UMRA requires the EPA to develop 
    a small government agency plan. This rule contains no regulatory 
    requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small 
    governments. Although small governments may be hazardous waste 
    generators, transporters, or own and/or operate hazardous waste 
    treatments, storage or disposal facilities (TSDFs), they are already 
    subject to the regulatory requirements under the existing State laws 
    that are being authorized by the EPA, and thus, are not subject to any 
    additional significant or unique requirements by virtue of this program 
    approval.
    
    Certification Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
    as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
    1966), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice of rulemaking 
    for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for 
    public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the 
    effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small businesses, small 
    organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). This analysis is 
    unnecessary, however, if any agency's administrator certifies that the 
    rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
    number of small entities.
        The EPA has determined that this authorization will not have a 
    significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
    Such small entities which are hazardous waste generators, transporters, 
    or which own and/or operate TSDFs are already subject to the regulatory 
    requirements under the existing State laws that are now being 
    authorized by EPA. The EPA's authorization does not impose any 
    significant additional burdens on these small entities. This is because 
    EPA's authorization would simply result in an administrative change, 
    rather than a change in the substantive requirements imposed on these 
    small entities.
        Pursuant to the provision at 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the Agency hereby 
    certifies that this authorization will not have a significant economic 
    impact on a substantial number of small entities. This authorization 
    approves regulatory requirements under existing State law to which 
    small entities are already subject. It does not impose any new burdens 
    on small entities. This rule therefore, does not require a regulatory 
    flexibility analysis.
    
    Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General
    
        The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
    Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
    
    [[Page 48103]]
    
    Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take 
    effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, 
    which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to 
    the Comptroller General of the United States. The EPA submitted a 
    report containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. 
    Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Comptroller General 
    of the United States prior to publication of the rule in today's 
    Federal Register. This rule is not a ``major rule'' defined by 5 U.S.C. 
    804(2).
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., Federal 
    agencies must consider the paperwork burden imposed by any information 
    request contained in a proposed rule or a final rule. This rule will 
    not impose any information requirements upon the regulated community.
    
    Executive Order 12875 Enhancing Intergovernmental Partnerships
    
        Under E.O. 12875, the EPA may not issue regulation that is not 
    required by statute and that creates a mandate upon a State, local or 
    tribal government, unless the Federal government provides the funds 
    necessary to pay the direct compliance costs incurred by those 
    governments. If the mandate is unfunded, the EPA must provide to the 
    OMB a description of the extent of EPA's prior consultation with 
    representatives of affected State, local and tribal governments, the 
    nature of their concerns, copies of any written communications from the 
    governments, and a statement supporting the need to issue the 
    regulation. In addition, E.O. 12875 requires the EPA to develop an 
    effective process permitting elected officials and other 
    representatives of State, local and tribal governments to provide 
    meaningful and timely input in the development of regulatory proposals 
    containing significant unfunded mandates.
        This rule does not create a mandate on State, local or tribal 
    governments. The rule does not impose any enforceable duties on these 
    entities. Accordingly, the requirements of section 1(a) of E.O. 12875 
    do not apply to this rule.
    
    Executive Order 13084 Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
    Governments
    
        Under E.O. 13084, the EPA may not issue a regulation that is not 
    required by statute, that significantly or uniquely affects the 
    communities of Indian tribal governments, and that imposes substantial 
    direct compliance costs on those communities, unless the Federal 
    government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
    cost incurred by the tribal governments. If the mandate is unfunded, 
    the EPA must provide to the OMB, in a separately identified section of 
    the preamble to the rule, a description of the extent of the EPA's 
    prior consultation with representatives of affected tribal governments, 
    a summary of the nature of their concerns, and a statement supporting 
    the need to issue the regulation. In addition, E.O. 13084 requires the 
    EPA to develop an effective process permitting elected and other 
    representatives of Indian tribal governments ``to provide meaningful 
    and timely input in the development of regulatory policies on matters 
    that significantly or uniquely affect their communities.
        This rule is not subject to E.O. 13084 because it does not 
    significantly or uniquely affect the communities of Indian governments. 
    The State of Louisiana is not authorized to implement the RCRA 
    hazardous waste program in Indian country. This action has no effect on 
    the hazardous waste program that the EPA implements in the Indian 
    country within the State.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 271
    
        Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
    Confidential business information, Hazardous materials transportation, 
    Hazardous waste, Indian lands, Intergovernmental relations, Penalties, 
    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Water pollution control, 
    Water supply.
    
    Authority
    
        This document is issued under the authority of sections 2002(a), 
    3006, and 7004(b) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
    6912(a), 6926, 6974(b).
    
        Dated: June 15, 1999.
    Jerry Clifford,
    Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.
    [FR Doc. 99-22627 Filed 9-1-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/1/1999
Published:
09/02/1999
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Immediate final rule.
Document Number:
99-22627
Dates:
This action is effective on November 1, 1999 without further notice, unless the EPA receives relevant adverse comments by October 4, 1999. If adverse comments are received, EPA will publish a timely withdrawal of the immediate final rule or identify the issues raised, respond to the comments, and affirm that the immediate final rule will take effect as scheduled.
Pages:
48099-48103 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FRL-6431-2
PDF File:
99-22627.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 271